destination honeymoon and wedding in Dubai

Choose Al Maha Desert Resort for a romantic spa vacation or desert wedding...

Al Maha incorporates a range of stringently imposed eco-friendly measures including energy conservation and the use of bio-degradable products. Of special note is the attention given to conservation of water, a desert resource even more precious than its well-known petroleum wealth. Used lavishly throughout, the resort's water, including that used in its swimming pools and spa, is fully recycled and returned to its groundwater source via a unique irrigation system. Sheikh Al Maktoum sums it up when he says, "We have a role to play in ensuring that the positive aspects of tourism go beyond just contributions to the country, but to include the benefits to the environment." Situated on 225 sq. km. of pristine desert land, the resort was conceived as a traditional Bedouin desert encampment but, unlike a real working encampment, Al Maha offers up-scale world-class service and amenities while at the same time keeping the focus on Arab culture and heritage. . Its tented ceilings and predominant use of barasti or palm fronds for fencing and ceilings have been used to evoke the atmosphere of traditional Bedouin tents--without the rough-hewn discomforts or camel fleas of the real thing.

The resort complex covers less than one percent of the site. The remainder is dedicated to a nature reserve, home to endangered wildlife such as the desert gazelle, Oryx and desert fox. During the past centuries, herds of the graceful Oryx, called Maha in Arabic, would appear in the Dubai desert, out of the haze created by the desert heat, seeking a place of shelter from the sun. The small oasis, where these attractive black-and-white spear-horned antelopes used to congregate became known to the Bedouins as Al Maha--The Oryx--from which the resort derives its name.

Perched on a small hill atop the water of the oasis below, the resort consists of the main reception building, an excellent spa and 37 individual Bedouin-style luxuriously furnished suites with traditionally crafted furniture and each with an outside plunge pool. In addition, there are two Royal Suites, each with two bedrooms, private dining facilities and swimming pool, and the one large luxury Emirate Suite. All the rooms open out to panoramic vistas across the desert landscape, offering breathtaking views of dunes and wide expanses of golden sandy plains to the Hajar Mountains beyond. The resort offers gourmet dining al fresco on various verandas or in the spacious restaurant, with menus ranging from foods of the Mediterranean countries to those of the Far East. Additionally, the 'Jamilah Spa & Leisure Center', discreetly concealed amidst the dunes near the main building and integrated into the main swimming pool and pool bar, provides complete spa services by an internationally trained staff.

There has been an extensive re-introduction of indigenous desert wildlife and strains of indigenous grasses and other flora into Al Maha's protected reserve. This has involved the planting of 6,200 local grasses, shrubs and trees over about 20 percent of the resort's area. The sanctuary is surrounded by an electrified inner perimeter fence, which keeps in the exotic wildlife. Today these include 40 resident bird species; 250 Oryx that include two species; a growing population of two types of gazelles; and 15 reptilian species. The outer fence also acts as a barrier to keep out the camels that are kept in the reserve .

Al Maha Excursions: Excursions into the desert are accompanied by adventure guides, knowledgeable in Arab culture and history, and safari drivers, experts in the desert . One of the most fulfilling of these activities for 'Falconry' enthusiasts is when guests are escorted to view a number of different species of falcons and handle some of them under the supervision of one of the field guides. As well, demonstrations of how falconry is practiced are held during the cooler parts of the day. From among the other activities offered are archery where under supervision, an archer can test his skills in a designated area; guided horse and camel rides giving guests the opportunity to experience the natural splendor of the Arabian desert from the back of an Arabian steed or on a swaying "ship of the desert" as camels have been called; and guided nature walks where guests have the opportunity to experience the desert environment and at the same time view some rare types of birds and animals. A memorable experience for guests sitting atop a sand dune in the resort's excursion Jeep is to watch Arabian Oryx grazing below or racing across the desert. Also offered are numerous off-site activities which give guests the opportunity to visit the wadis (dry riverbeds) and mountains close to the resort; sand skiing on the nearby sand dunes; traveling to ancient archaeological sites; and numerous other excursions such as that to Hatta, a 200-year-old village which silently speaks of ancient times, and Al Ain with its thousands of years old burial tombs.